Shirley Burton, 62, formerly of Blooming Prairie

Shirley A. Burton of Albert Lea, formerly of Blooming Prairie and New Richland, died on Monday, June 15, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea. She was 62.
She was born on Jan. 15, 1953, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Ralph and Margella (Bakken) Besser. Shirley was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregation Church in New Richland, where she was still a member. 
After she graduated from New Richland High School, Shirley married Vern Burton. They were later divorced. One beautiful daughter was born to this union, Jessica. For the past 25 years, Shirley has shared her life with Jens Andersen.
Throughout her life, Shirley had worked at Brown Printing in Waseca, Quirams Bakery in New Richland, but most enjoyment came from 23 years of doing day care in her home. She loved having children around and caring for them. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, cooking, gambling and games of any kind.
She is survived by her life’s partner Jens Andersen of Blooming Prairie; mother, Margella Besser of Waterville; sister, Susan (Michael) Pfeffer of New Richland; brother, Allen (Halane) Besser of Alden; nieces and nephews, James (Pam) Pfeffer of Mont Alto, Pa, Jill (Jerry) Johnson of Waseca, Jamie (Matt) Holm of St. Cloud, Jared (Lisa) Besser of Clarks Grove, and Jeremy (Rachel) Besser of Albert Lea; and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Ralph Besser; daughter Jessica Burton; and brother Todd Besser.
The way Shirley teasingly picked on those she loved brings smiles to our faces. -“Girls don’t be afraid of your veggies.” She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Memorial services were held on June 21 at the First Congregational Church of New Richland.